TRANSFORMATIONAL 4 REAL MAGAZINE, JULY 2021 -- VOLUME 11, NO. 12

CONTENTS Who are you? - Pastor H. Al Sims, Jr.

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Interview With Ebony Vaughan

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Thank you, Jesus! - Apostle, Dr. Meta James

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I Shall Not Want - Sharon Weeks-Alleyne

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The Light in the Darkness - Athena Morrison

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Brief History of Sophia Sparkle Youth Group - Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon

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Celebrate your family before the funeral - Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon

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Words Of Encouragement From God’s Heart To Yours Are you up for the challenge? – Donna Royalty Ross

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Contributors Apostle Dr. Meta James Athena Morrison Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon

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Donna Royalty Ross Pastor H. Al Sims, Jr. Sharon Weekes-Alleyne

From the Desk of the Editor-in-Chief

Donna Royalty Ross

Happy 4th of July to you and yours.

Wow! We are in July – already! Where have the past five months gone? Truly, it is closer than when we first believed. Are we prepared? Are we ready for the return of our elder Brother, Jesus?

SELAH. I remember as a child, without spiritual knowledge, laughing when people said that Jesus is coming back soon. To me it sounded nonsensical to hear that Jesus was coming back soon. Coming back soon from where and to go where? In my lack of knowledge, I didn’t understand where Jesus was coming from or returning to.

you slow down for us, or do we have to speed up to keep up with you? The Body of Christ, in my opinion, is not keeping up with where we should be in this season. We (the Body of Christ) in my opinion, should be out in the highways and

Now that I am older, much older (lol) and wiser,

byways compelling the unsaved, unchurched,

spiritually the signs are all over the world; not just

unloved, hopeless, helpless, homeless to come

in North America, but in the seven continents.

into the Kingdom of God.

We have seen or heard about the wars and the rumors of the wars, we have had the pestilence, the pandemic, and certainly more mass shootings in the first five months of the year. We have seen men’s knowledge increase more and more. I may be dating myself, but I remember when we had to use a fax machine to fax a document to another state, blood was transported by cars, and phone

Let us purpose in our hearts to work July like a second job. Let us have a vision to see souls saved and bodies healed. We are the salt of the earth; the people Jesus has proclaimed to do the greater works than He did. Let’s not just talk about it but let us purpose in our hearts to be about it.

booths were everywhere. Now, blood and people can be transported via helicopters, my phone is in

Donna Royalty Ross

my handbag and on my wrist! I can speak to my watch on my wrist and tell it to call my husband or

Walking in God’s Scandalous Grace

daughter!

July, July, July, where are you rushing to? Could 3

From the Pastor’s Desk:

Pastor H. Al Sims, Jr. SENIOR PASTOR OF BETHESDA CHURCH OF GOD, SUMTER, SC

Who are you?

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ho are you? That is an age-old question.

Wouldn’t you like to have a dollar for every time you have been asked that or that you asked that question? You see that question is really much deeper and far more probing than it seems on the surface. What people are really asking, is tell me your name, where are you from, where do you live, where did you go to school, what kind of car do you drive, who are you related to, and the inquiries go on and on. So, if someone asked you all of those questions would they really know who you are?

We live in a society that often puts labels and value on surface questions without truly finding out the real person. In addition to that we often do the same thing to ourselves. We are so busy building images and attaching labels to ourselves that we often lose sight of who we really are.

Who are you, really? I have yet to read a resume that described a person’s weaknesses and failures.

However, I have read resumes that were exaggerated and stretched like a thin rubber band. Why would people do that? I believe there are four main reasons. The first is

that they want people to think more highly of themselves; secondly, they are trying to keep up with their peers; thirdly, they are ashamed of who they are and finally, they simply may not know who they really are.

Knowing who you are is a work in progress. When I was a child in my mind, I was a phenomenal athlete. As a wise person once said, “the older I got the better I was”. As I became a teenager, I was smarter than anyone. I should have figured that out to be wrong when I would get my report cards.

As a young adult still trying to find myself, I searched for happiness and fulfillment in many areas but kept coming up short on the ageold question, “who am I’? Keep in mind that I was a pastor (bivocational), I had been reasonably successful in the business world and had served on a number of prestigious boards so I should have had a decent idea of who I was by that time.

Then came the breakthrough.

The skies did not scroll back and a mighty voice thunder out of the heavens declaring who I was.

What happened is that I truly

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sought to find myself in Christ Jesus. If I could be pleasing in his sight and be in his perfect will then much of my struggle would be over. What others thought was not as intimidating. I knew if I was pleasing to Christ that I would be truly successful, fulfilled, and real. Galatians 2:20 states “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. And the life that I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

I encourage you to find who you are in Christ Jesus. When you look in the mirror you will see a much happier person. When others look at you, they will see a person that is confident and comfortable in Christ.

INTERVIEW

with

Ebony Vaughan AUTHOR/MENTOR/THERAPIST/ SERVANT/ENTREPRENEUR

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bony Vaughan, thank you for allowing me the pleasure of interviewing you for the T4realMagazine. We were members together of RLIC. In fact, I met you there….I am reminiscing a bit. What an exciting time to be there and to interact with all the televangelists who came through there.

I am proud with a Godly pride of the direction that God is taking you in. It is all about getting people ready for the Kingdom of God. So tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am married with two young adult children. I have been married for 23 years. I am a Social Worker/Therapist with a Private Mental Health Practice. My practice has been open since 2009 and I provide individual, family and couples counseling. I am an Adjunct Professor at The Morgan State University in the Social Work Department and am employed with the Baltimore City School Systems. I serve as a Minister/Teacher at DreamLife Worship Center under Apostle Kenneth and Pastor Lenyar Robinson.

I am the founder of Triple G Living: God Goals & Grind, an empowerment movement designed to empower people to discover their purpose, overcome their obstacles and walk in their God-given assignment and authority on earth. My passion is to help men and women discover themselves as the gifts that God has sent them to be on earth.

When did you realize the call of God that is upon on your life?

In 1995, I gave my life to the Lord and began my journey of developing a relationship with God. Shortly after that, God pulled me out of a traditional church setting, into an Apostolic/Prophetic Ministry. This environment had such a major impact on my spiritual walk and settled in me who I was and what I was to become in the Lord. It was under the leadership of Apostle Loretta Johnson that I began my spiritual development and training as a Five-Fold Ministry Gift. My late Spiritual Mother, Apostle Loretta Johnson was pivotal in helping me to cultivate my intimacy and sensitivity to the move of God in my life as well as around me. She pulled on me to know the voice of God and not rely on my intelligence and flesh to excel in the kingdom. When I left that ministry, I had a clear sense of who I was in God as it relates to my office and assignment and a sensitivity to the voice and move of God. Tell our readers a little bit about your two books that you have written so far and what lead you to write them.

F.I.G.H.T. is a book designed to illustrate God’s intention for his people to experience true fulfillment, joy, and prosperity in their lives? For years, many of us have served God dissatisfied, unfulfilled and not experiencing his unique plan for us. We go through the motion of salvation and redemption, but not transformation and true adoption. This book unveils that our true power is gained only when we understand God’s heart for us and his desire for us to live an abundant life. This book takes the spirit filled believer on a journey of discovering God’s idea of flourishing and where the true source of their true power, authority and fulfillment lies.

G.I.I.F.T.S. is a book that illustrates the heart and mind of God when it comes to his creation. God has divinely engineered each of his children to manifest his glory and be a function of his intellect. As God’s children, we are gifts sent to this world to embrace, embody, and exemplify his divine nature and essence. Servanthood is the sole channel by which God’s divine plan and infinite imagination is revealed on earth. This book takes you on a

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journey of discovering the spirit filled believers’ true purpose on Earth.

Tell us also about your mentorship and therapist hats.

I have had my private practice since 2009. I have been a Social Worker for about 26 years now. I provide mental health services to individuals, families, and couples. My expertise is in the areas of anxiety and depression; however, I am qualified and do provide mental health support in so many areas. I am also a trainer and coach to individuals desiring to start a mental health practice.

I started a coaching program in 2020 under my Empowerment movement called Triple G Living: God, Goals & Grind. This is a licensed and trademarked business where I provide spiritual and personal development training and support to individual. I believe that these two areas are my assignment on earth, and I am so excited to be on this journey.

Being a Coach and a Therapist are very distinct in terms of their aim and focus and I feel blessed to have been equipped to occupy both. This is truly my life’s work. To God be the Glory!!!

Was being a mentor and a therapist, childhood goals?

I have desired to become a Social Worker since the age of 11. Being a therapist was not a goal. To be honest, Administration and Leadership in Social Work was initially my pursuit. I just wanted to help develop people.

However, God saw more than I did.

You are wearing many hats. Please tell us how you are handling the many hats that you are wearing?

Taking care of yourself and pursuing balance is very important. My relationship and pursuit for God is why I can do what I do. When you know that what you are doing you are supposed to be doing, it helps you to remain connected to the source for strength, guidance, and wisdom. I believe that I do what I do because God has equipped me and made me for this. I also know how to stop and refuel, refresh, and refocus if necessary.

Everything is a process, and I am learning more about me and my assignment every day.

Tell us what does 3Glife_20 mean and what it is?

Well, that is actually my Instagram handle, but My empowerment organization is Triple G Living: God Goals & Grind. God birthed this movement in me starting in 2019 and I made it official in 2020. It started off with God giving me 3 words (God, Goals & Grind.) I started to post these words on Facebook as often as I would hear them. The first time I posted them, I remember my Pastor Kenneth Robinson reaching out to me and saying, “There is something to this Ebony” I shared with him how God had been ministering this to me and I heard “God is my divine strategist.” From there I believe, God took me down a path of birthing this movement. I do not want to say that this is just a ministry because I genuinely believe that it is a movement that will mobilize people to discover who they are in God, what their purpose is on earth, and to empower them to walk with power and authority on earth.

I know that the kids are in college and are doing well, which makes you and your hubby empty nesters. Are your plans to do more in the Kingdom of God and/or more entrepreneur work?

I plan to continue with this movement as God leads me; travel, serve at my local assembly and enjoy my life with my husband.

As God continues to position you in the lives of many, what would be the “thing” that you want to impart to God’s people the most.

My deepest desire is for the people of God to begin to see themselves as God sees them and to not be afraid to walk in their assignment with authority and power. Motivating people to embrace their true identity in God and tapping into the gifts/talents that God has given to bring impact to the world is so important to me.

Ebony, It was my pleasure interviewing you. I am excited about where God is taking you and I wish you God’s richest blessings as you move forward doing the things that God has called and ordained for you to do and be.

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Thank you, Jesus!

Apostle, Dr. Meta James metajamesministries@gmail. com

Today many are looking at so many things that draw them away from Jesus, trying to find answers to life’s problems and feeling discouraged because d as they look unto Jesus, they wonder is he even listening? Yes, he is listening but what words are we saying to him?

Is it complaining and asking for this and that and not taking time to just say, “Thank you Jesus”?

Our new nature in Christ Jesus commanding our soulish realm to die is a constant effort.

I would like to encourage you today that unlike us, Jesus can not lie, and will not lie. We can

stand on the promises of God. The greatest challenge we face is looking to Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith and understanding exactly what that means. It involves taking our hands off the problem and being deeply committed to not just saying it but believing that Jesus can fix anything. We cannot say “Lord, I trust you” but when whatever we are believing for does not happen our faith is challenged.

It is the enemy’s job to get us to abort our belief and lose hope in the word of God. Our job is to never give up or give in to his tactics of unbelief because without faith it is impossible to please God. We must stay away from turning to things that hurt our body or bruise our spirit.

How do you get the victory and give the devil, if I may, say a black eye? Worship and praise the Lord despite all that you are going through. Make a commitment to study the Word of God and let it clean us out. Find a scripture that no matter what obstacles you go through you can put the word on it.

He hates it when we utter out of our pain, “Lord, I’ll bless you at all times”. He hates it when

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we give Jesus a praise dance and no music around just joy unspeakable joy, full of His glory.

The biggest mistake we often make is not storing up that hallelujah. What exactly does that mean? Family, friends, job, children, bank account, bills, spouse, grandchildren are good, but it seems sometimes that just like that, everything changes, and we are troubled on every side!! This is when we learn to pull up that Hallelujah from the depth of our soul, just because Jesus is Lord.

Unexpected bills, disconnect notices, big argument with your spouse, bad medical report, children lying, grandchildren are fighting and to top it off several deaths in the family.

Looking at the picture above, this is when your spirit rules and not your soul or mind. You have to muster up all within you and say thank You Jesus for keeping my mind; thank You Jesus, this did not catch You off guard; thank You Jesus, I know You have a plan; thank You Jesus, I will make it through this!

Precious saints, remember the devil only leaves for a season…...

Now it is Sunday, and you are so happy to be back at your church building. You see sisters and brothers after almost a year and what happens? Everyone is so excited and greeting one another and someone ran past you and spoke to someone else, or someone spoke to you and said you put on a lot of weight from the last time they saw you. and you are a visitor! Muster way down saints, and do not let this joyful occasion be spoiled, yell out Thank you Jesus!

Life happens, but what we do with that life makes all the difference in the world. We have a choice and all that is within us to say Thank you Jesus, Lord, I appreciate you; Father I adore you.

This is when we look unto Him and get super strength to forgive. We make the decision to not argue or run up to that person that passed by us and give them a hug. We decide to take time to talk to our children and grandchildren and forgive our spouse and even ourselves when we mess up.

Look up for guidance through the word of God. Look up and know that Jesus’ inhabits the praises of His people. Look up and say these 3 powerful words, “Thank you Jesus”.

Be encouraged precious people of God. If you need to talk. you can contact me at metajamesministries@gmail.com. We are all in the body of Christ and need to support one another.

Love you,

Apostle Dr. Meta E. James Psalms 32:8

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I SHALL NOT WANT Sharon Weeks-Alleyne

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hen I wrote in last month’s edition, I thought I had given Psalm 23 in a nutshell, but The Holy Spirit kept prompting me to continue on.

Declaring God is our Shepherd means we understand we belong to Him, so we trust Him with our lives, our will, and our desires. So we need to see I SHALL NOT WANT, or I SHALL LACK NOTHING in the context of a sheep being led by his/her Shepherd.

What we need to understand is that this statement doesn’t speak of an overflow, it speaks of meeting my daily needs. I always tell the kids I teach and my grandkids, that your parents need to meet your basic needs: food, clothing, shelter, and water. Everything else is an extra benefit of which we all should be grateful and not feel entitled. Many times, we as adults pray this prayer and, in our minds, we see an overflow. Maybe because we are in an era of having more than enough and 9

prosperity messages, but we need to understand getting there is a process. Many times, what we give our children over and above their basic needs is lots of junk, pop, ice cream, sweets, gadgets etc.

These are the things that hinder them from having a great quality of life because of obesity and a habit of not being able to sit still because of all the gadgets at their disposal which develop an addiction. We are no better; many times what we want takes us away from being able to live out our full potential. We become addicted to hyper church services, prosperity messages, our gadgets, our cars, houses, travels etc. and like the kids we feel entitled, privileged and we forget to be grateful. So, we need to sit back, unlearn what we have learned, renew our minds, and give our wants to HIM, our will to HIM, our desires to HIM. Our green pastures are not high thick alfalfa grass, it’s green patches where we graze and eat to our contentment for that day. Our still waters are streams, not oceans, or great waterfalls. We will surely drown in those as we are not at that place where we understand not to overeat, or drink. When we overeat, we feel sluggish and uncomfortable, but if we eat just enough, we feel great. If we’re really thirsty and we had just enough cool water, we feel restored but if we have that pop, we’ll need some water to satisfy our thirst, so we need to follow Our Shepherd and graze and drink where he leads us daily. When we follow His leading no good thing would He withhold from them that walk uprightly and put total trust in Him. If we do, our souls will be restored, and we will lack nothing.

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The Light in the Darkness Athena Morrison I think we have all had that little tinge of fear of having to walk alone in the dark. We think of all the things that could go wrong; of maybe being followed either by human or animal. This is considered normal human behavior and although there are persons that consider themselves unafraid of the dark there may be other things that they are afraid of.

I am looking at this at a time when the world is going through a difficult season and when I hear the phrase “these are dark times” I think of people who are not necessarily afraid of the dark but are petrified of these “dark times. “I know there are answers to soothe these fears; just look in the bible.

The bible has many lessons about darkness and about light. If you are afraid of these dark times.

Psalm 27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?” NKJV This scripture not only gives me hope that the Lord is my light but also gives me courage to fear no one.

I know it takes enormous faith to believe this because our flesh is weak and would not readily admit this scripture will keep fear away, but I know prayer helps! Isaiah 41:10 “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” NKJV This scripture tells me God will give me the strength to help overcome my fear.

We can always turn to the scriptures to ease our fear of darkness, but we must stay in the word for this to come to fruition. Although these scriptures are speaking of spiritual darkness, it will be very helpful in keeping the fear of these “dark times” away. Remember this: 1st Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” NKJV God Himself has called us out of the darkness and chose us as His own. How great is this? It gives me hope that darkness has nothing on me. great hope of the light mentioned there.

Revelation 21:23 “The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.” NKJV I purpose in my heart to keep the “darkness” at bay and walk into His glorious “light” knowing that there will always be dark days which will be lightened by staying in the word for the glory of God.

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Brief History of Sophia Sparkle Youth Group Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon

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ophia Sparkle Youth Group was founded over two decades ago.

It is an offspring of a Women’s Group by the name of “Mother’s Action Group on Social Issues” which was the first women’s group that I founded. It was created to tackle issues of concern within communities, the former focusing on challenges facing parents and to work on various solutions to mitigate the same.

to steer their children onto the right path, this is where Sophia Sparkle Friendly Space becomes a second home. I believe that I was handpicked by God to adopt these children, mostly from challenging surroundings. I, along with other volunteers help to guide these children accordingly. They are taught how to appreciate and love God from an early age and to put Him first in everything they do. There is also a library and the doors to our FRIENDLY SPACE are always open where they can come in to read. Every child is registered at Sophia Sparkle Youth Group free of cost and parents sometimes accompany them and are always welcomed. Our present members in attendance on register is a total of two hundred.

Our Group has an Annual Christmas party and gifts are distributed every December. After a year of hard work, we invite over three hundred children to join us in our celebration and everyone receives a gift, bags of goodies, books, food, and drinks after being entertained by the members of Sparkle with a concert and exhibitions.

The latter is aimed at reversing or completely eliminating the trend of idleness within youth in communities, more particularly the Sophia District.

It must be noted that both of the groups captioned above are registered. As it relates to the youth group, a friendly space was created at my downstairs, 975 Pattensen, Turkeyen Housing Scheme Georgetown.

Interactions with youth within the said community and afar are encouraged every Sunday between the hours of 10:00 - 5:00, and on all holidays.

Recreational Day Camp is held every day from July 23rd to August 20th when schools are closed.

During these times praise and worship is held during the beginning and ending of every session. Various lectures are discussed, which includes the promotion of education enhancement, food security through Agriculture and all Members are encouraged to create their very own kitchen garden. In addition, there is a literacy program, drama, sewing sessions, aspects of crafts and other empowerment ventures.

In the world today, where both Parents are forced to work outside of the home and hardly any time

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Similar to the adverse impact that the Covid-19 pandemic presented to the entire global economy, the affairs of the Sophia Sparkle Youth Group have been negatively affected. The members missed their frequent gatherings in one space, but they do understand that health and safety is our number one priority. In keeping with social distancing guidelines, wearing of facemasks and face-shield, sanitizing, guidelines outlined by the relevant authority are all observed.

While the group activities continue at minimum, with small groups at different sessions, the group agenda is still geared at creating a better lifestyle and enforcing life skills for youth around the communities.

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Celebrate your family before the funeral Doris Anetha Shelto McLennon (Funerals have become family Reunion.) I have lost loved ones in my life, who never knew how much I loved them. Now I live with that regret that my true feelings for them never were revealed. So, I made a promise to myself, to say each day how much they mean to me and avoid that circumstance where there’s no second chance to tell them how I feel.

So tell that someone that you love just what you are thinking of, if tomorrow never comes. One of my favorite songs with a powerful message and reminder of how unpredictable our life is.

When was the last time you took a little time out to visit a few of your relatives? People no longer have time for families, as most think they have too much work and responsibilities. You may say it is not possible because of the coronavirus, but this trend has been going on for an awfully long time where families do not have time to meet up, let alone talk to each other. Lately, everyone seems so engrossed in their own lives. Technology has eased life to an exceptionally large extent, weakening family bond-it is now, Zoom, talking over the phone, texting, WhatsApp, messaging etc. This seems to be the new norm, and everyone thinks that they can talk over any issues on the phone or social media.

Correction, that does not replace human contact.

Clearly, we all know where our relatives live and how to contact each of them. There are times though when everyone is waiting for the other relative to do something, questioning why the other family member cannot be the one to make the first move. As much as we all hate to admit it, most people only meet up with majority of their relatives at funerals or a wedding. Some relatives only remember other family members when inviting them for these two events. Funerals should not be a family reunion! How long has it been since your family got together in one place other than at a funeral or a wedding?

What about taking a leaf out of our fore parents’ book, who tried their utmost to keep the family bundle intact. It only takes one or two family members to initiate this plan for a family reunion. It 14

was my sister Lynette who took a firm stand to organize our first family reunion. We all knew too well the importance of family gathering. Aunts, uncles, grandmother, grandfather, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, etc. all in one place hugging, chatting, laughing, partaking in all the different types of food at one or two table, reminiscing on past events. So much excitement.

It is important that we all know our family members. Do you have any idea how many have ended up having intimate relationship with persons they are related to, even ended up marrying each other, simply because they did not get the chance to get to know each other? Some Parents are the ones to blame for these things occurring since they have abandoned their responsibility of strengthening their family bond. One of the most painful things is watching a relative being laid to rest that you have not seen and spoken to for years, especially if they had crossed your mind to make contact and you brushed it aside, because you did not have the time. Remember that when that relative is gone it is final. You do not get a last goodbye, a phone call, nothing. You will only have questions, wondering if you could have, should have, or might have, but those are late words. The journey of life is unpredictable, you never know what can happen at any time. Let us do some soul searching…... have you wronged a family member? Then ask for forgiveness. If they have wronged you, then tell them that you have forgiven them. Make peace with yourself by forgiving anyone that hurt you.

If you don’t practice forgiveness, you might or could end up being the one who pays most dearly. I have witnessed a very touching moment at a funeral service, where a daughter was screaming out to her mother who was lying in the casket. She was begging her dead mother for forgiveness over and over again and pleading to her to wake up. Only she and God knew why she was begging her now dead mother for forgiveness. It was indeed a sad scene.

To the relatives who have never held a family reunion, it is not too late to start planning now, and as soon as the coronavirus pandemic guidelines are relaxed, we can have our families coming together in one place in thanksgiving unto God, in a safe environment. I know to some extent it may not be possible to get all of the family together, but surely most families would be happy for such a moment. So many people have lost their lives during this pandemic, too many. God has been gracious to us whose lives have been saved. We need to let go of the things that are not in keeping with God’s principle and cling to what is needed for this walk, the journey of life. The word of God states in Psalm 133:1¬2 -- Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity.

Let go of grudges and bitterness, it can make way for improved health and peace of mind and can also lead to a healthier relationship with everyone. It also lowers blood pressure, lessens anxiety, stress, and hostility. Take the first stand to have a family gathering as soon as it is possible. We are praying for that day when all the guidelines will be relaxed, but we will continue to take all the necessary precautions to keep our family safe during these challenging times.

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Words Of Encouragement From God’s Heart To Yours

Donna Royalty Ross

Are you up for the challenge?

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n any given day, in any one of the seven continents you can be faced with a challenge. It may or may not be a lifethreatening challenge, but a challenge, none the same.

What do you do when life hits you far out of left field? You were minding your business, life seemed to be going well and then out of left field, the phone rings and your life is forever changed. It could be 2:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. You may be awakened out of your sleep with the ringing of the phone at the wee hours of the morning. You get the frightened feeling that something is terribly wrong with your youngest child off in college, your parents in the assisted home facility, or worst yet your spouse in Korea. It takes thirty seconds for you to realize that it is your phone ringing, and you have to answer it but in those thirty seconds your thoughts are all over the place.

You answer the phone, and this strange voice says to you “are you the wife of Lieutenant William Cooley? Even though it does not sound like a voice of “your spouse cannot be located or worst yet feared dead”, you are reluctant to say “yes” because you fear that you cannot handle the words that this stranger on the other end of the phone may say to you. It seems like eternity before you respond and say “yes, I am Misty Cooley, the wife of Lt. Cooley”. I need to speak with you, she says and now you are totally upset because it is 2:00 a.m. in the morning and unless your spouse is dead or dying, you don’t understand why this woman would call at this unearthly time in the morning. Your husband has been faithful for the fifteen years that you have been married, so you know that this is not a woman that your husband is having an affair with. You are thinking if he has even looked at another woman for the three years that you dated, before he even proposed. But what if it is? You suddenly are jerked back in reality, and you ask the woman, is my husband sick or dying? Her response is “no” – and then you are really ready to get nasty in your next response to this woman. “No, he is not dead, but his love for you is”. You begin to laugh at her; because William has spoken to you about six hours ago telling you how much he loves you. She laughs back

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and hangs up the phone. Now you can’t sleep because you are wondering how this woman got your phone number. You begin to mentally search for clues as to anything that would make you believe that William’s love for you is dead.

Morning comes slowly, too slowly for you and you call this strange woman back only to be greeted by a barrage of evidence that William is indeed connected to this woman. You want to know everything.

You want to meet this woman, and you want to see if she is beautiful – more beautiful than he told you that you were – about twelve hours ago.

That is just one of the challenges some women face on a daily basis – a spouse who seemed to be very faithful and then suddenly you get a call in the night saying and proving that your spouse was not as faithful as you assumed.

You speak to your husband the following day and he denies that he even knows this woman. He declares that it has to be a hoax – that one of his buddies wanted to get back at him for losing at poker. You want to believe him, but somewhere in the back of your mind you remember that his father was unfaithful to his mother and that begins another barrage of mental questions that you go through.

Why did you not see it coming? Why did you not believe that he was just like his father? No, no, he can’t be doing this to you, but the evidence is there, and this woman Sheryl continues to call, telling you that William’s love for you is dead.

You demand that William gets leave and come home to sort this out. You cannot deal with this challenge again. You watched your mother deal with an unfaithful spouse. You listened as William recited to you why it took him so long to propose to you – he wanted to be sure that unfaithful or divorce would never be an option for his marriage. He said he would never be unfaithful. You said that you would never be unfaithful either. You also said that it would never happen to you – but it seems like it did – from all the evidence gathered. You run to find a safe haven and the only safe haven can be found in your faith in God. You ask God for an answer – but even God seems silent to you and your feelings.

William cannot get leave for something as trivial as a wife “suspecting or believing her spouse is cheating”. There is a war to be won and a wife’s feelings or suspicion does not measure up to the lives that are on the line in this war. So, you will have to either trust that William is telling the truth or trust that God will give you the faith to wait until he can come home to sort out this challenge.

Are you up for the challenge? Are you up for any challenges that may face you today? A child with drug problems, a persistent old flame, Alzheimer of a parent, a terminal illness, or worst yet the death of the only child that God has blessed you with.

You are because you are built of God. I encourage you today to trust in the only Solid Rock – Jesus. I encourage you today to stand and having done all to stand, continue to stand. I encourage you today to listen for no other voice but that of the Savior.

Pray with me: Father, in the name of Jesus, prepare me to be up for any challenge you bring me to, because at the end of the challenge, You and You only will get all the glory, amen.

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